Raymond
"Ray" John
Geitka
November 2, 1937 - February 17, 2020
Born in Detroit, Michigan
Ray was born on November 2, 1937 in Dearborn, Michigan. His parents were John Raymond and Ann Marie (nee Kowamy) Geitka and they were of Eastern European descent. He passed away February 17, 2020 surrounded by the love of his family. Age 82.
Ray graduated, with honors, from Fordson High School in Dearborn, MI in 1956. He was an accomplished alumnus with multiple degrees from the University of Michigan. His degrees included Bachelor of Science (Physics) in Engineering, Bachelor of Science (Mathematics) in Engineering and Master of Science (Electrical Engineering) in Engineering. He was a longtime Director of Computing Services for University of Michigan-Dearborn. He was a life member of the University of Michigan Union. He was an avid fly fisherman and officer of the Michigan Fly Fishing Club. He also taught Fly Tying classes. Past President of Trout Unlimited. He was an avid U of M sports fan and enjoyed reading history books and military history books.
Ray was the beloved husband of JoAnn C. (nee Carleton) Geitka and they were married for 32 years. Dear father of David Geitka, Mark Geitka, Mary Schafer and the late Paul Geitka. Loving grandfather of Justin, Grayce, Bryce and Macy.
Family will receive friends Friday, February 21, 2020 from 4-8pm with Prayers and Reflections, 7pm at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel), 32515 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, MI 48073, (248) 549-0500.
The Funeral Mass will be Saturday, February 22, 2020, 10am at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church, 32340 Pierce St., Beverly Hills, MI 48025. Visitation at church begins at 9:30am.
Committal services will be held at Acacia Park Cemetery, 31300 Southfield Rd., Beverly Hills, MI 48025.
The Geitka family suggests memorial tributes to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231.
Ray Geitka’s Love of Fly Fishing
One of Ray Geitka’s greatest passions in life was fly fishing which he enjoyed sharing with friends and family. His pursuit of both trout and bass took him to many rivers and lakes in Michigan as well as to famous waters in other states. Ray spent many a day enjoying the tranquility of fly tying and fly fishing, as well as teaching his children and grandchildren how to do the same.
When not pursuing his passion in the outdoors, Ray devoted himself to preserving the environment where fly fishing occurs through numerous conservation organizations. Most notably, he was Past President and Board member of the Paul Young Chapter of Trout Unlimited and faithfully supported every annual banquet to raise funds for clean water enhancement. Ray also served on the state council of Michigan Trout Unlimited.
In addition to his Trout Unlimited work, Ray was the founding member of the Royal Coachman Society, a group of like-minded sportsmen who celebrated fly fishing adventures at “The Cabin” on the North Branch of the AuSable River and also on the Baldwin River. Ray was active in The Michigan Fly Fishing Club for many years where he was named Fly Tyer of the Month. He was also an active member of the Anglers of the AuSable, a group dedicated to the preservation of all branches of the AuSable River as Michigan’s premier cold water, blue ribbon fishery.
Through all these many accomplishments, Ray’s legacy lives on for future generations.
Ray graduated, with honors, from Fordson High School in Dearborn, MI in 1956. He was an accomplished alumnus with multiple degrees from the University of Michigan. His degrees included Bachelor of Science (Physics) in Engineering, Bachelor of Science (Mathematics) in Engineering and Master of Science (Electrical Engineering) in Engineering. He was a longtime Director of Computing Services for University of Michigan-Dearborn. He was a life member of the University of Michigan Union. He was an avid fly fisherman and officer of the Michigan Fly Fishing Club. He also taught Fly Tying classes. Past President of Trout Unlimited. He was an avid U of M sports fan and enjoyed reading history books and military history books.
Ray was the beloved husband of JoAnn C. (nee Carleton) Geitka and they were married for 32 years. Dear father of David Geitka, Mark Geitka, Mary Schafer and the late Paul Geitka. Loving grandfather of Justin, Grayce, Bryce and Macy.
Family will receive friends Friday, February 21, 2020 from 4-8pm with Prayers and Reflections, 7pm at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel), 32515 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, MI 48073, (248) 549-0500.
The Funeral Mass will be Saturday, February 22, 2020, 10am at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church, 32340 Pierce St., Beverly Hills, MI 48025. Visitation at church begins at 9:30am.
Committal services will be held at Acacia Park Cemetery, 31300 Southfield Rd., Beverly Hills, MI 48025.
The Geitka family suggests memorial tributes to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231.
Ray Geitka’s Love of Fly Fishing
One of Ray Geitka’s greatest passions in life was fly fishing which he enjoyed sharing with friends and family. His pursuit of both trout and bass took him to many rivers and lakes in Michigan as well as to famous waters in other states. Ray spent many a day enjoying the tranquility of fly tying and fly fishing, as well as teaching his children and grandchildren how to do the same.
When not pursuing his passion in the outdoors, Ray devoted himself to preserving the environment where fly fishing occurs through numerous conservation organizations. Most notably, he was Past President and Board member of the Paul Young Chapter of Trout Unlimited and faithfully supported every annual banquet to raise funds for clean water enhancement. Ray also served on the state council of Michigan Trout Unlimited.
In addition to his Trout Unlimited work, Ray was the founding member of the Royal Coachman Society, a group of like-minded sportsmen who celebrated fly fishing adventures at “The Cabin” on the North Branch of the AuSable River and also on the Baldwin River. Ray was active in The Michigan Fly Fishing Club for many years where he was named Fly Tyer of the Month. He was also an active member of the Anglers of the AuSable, a group dedicated to the preservation of all branches of the AuSable River as Michigan’s premier cold water, blue ribbon fishery.
Through all these many accomplishments, Ray’s legacy lives on for future generations.
Visitation
A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel)
32515 Woodward Ave (btwn 13-14 Mile)
Royal Oak, MI US 48073
Royal Oak, MI US 48073
Prayers & Reflections 7:00 PM
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Service
Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church
32340 Pierce Street (South of 14 Mile)
Beverly Hills, MI US 48025
Beverly Hills, MI US 48025
Instate 9:30 AM
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American Heart Association
7272 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75231
Dallas, TX 75231
The American Heart Association's mission is to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular disease and stroke. The association was founded in 1924 and today is the nation's largest national voluntary health agency devoted to defeating heart disease and stroke, which together claim about 950,000 lives each year and rank as our nation's No. 1 and No. 3 killers. To prevent, treat and ultimately defeat these diseases, the association funds research, creates and implements professional and public education programs focusing on improving emergency care and reducing risk factors, holds community service activities and engages in advocacy efforts to safeguard American's health.
